Moving to new home

My Site is going to a new home. Please update your bookmarks and your links!

Click HERE to be taken directly to it. And change your links to:

http://onehappydogspeaks.mu.nu

Many Thanks!

120MPH As It Hits Landfall

Yippeee! Your prayers, good wishes and good thoughts worked. I cannot thank you enough. Mom and Shorty are out of power. Tink still has power but had to tell me a tree landed on her husband's car. I freaked until she told me it was about 4 feet high and there was no damage. I thought I would reach through the phone and get her.

I still can't believe it was moving 20MPH. That is the fastest I remember a storm moving once it was on land. We'll know more tomorrow. My mom's house is an unknown until then.

Dennis the Menace Part 4

What I saw when I woke up this morning:



I did talk to my family last night. My Mom is over at Shorty's house. Tink and family are prepared. I'm glad Mom left. Mom's neighborhood lost power last - the TV reported that it occurred due to lightning strikes.

Forgive me if I am not commenting or posting a lot today. Stressing out here.

Dennis the Menace Part 3

From the news:

As of 5:40 p.m. ET, Dennis' maximum sustained winds increased to 115 mph making it a major Category 3 hurricane once again. The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter Aircraft found a rapid drop in the pressure signifying intensification. Also when viewing the satellite, Dennis has regained most all of the organization and symmetry that it had before its Cuban landfall.

For those not familiar with what Cat 3 or Cat 4 means:

Category Three - An Extensive Hurricane

Winds: 111-130 mph, 97-113 kts, 178-209 km/h

Minimum surface pressure: 964-945 mbar

Storm surge: 9-12 ft, 2.7-3.8 m

Foliage torn from trees; large trees blown down. Practically all poorly constructed signs blown down. Some damage to roofing materials of buildings; some wind and door damage. Some structural damage to small buildings. Mobile homes destroyed. Serious flooding at coast and many smaller structures near coast destroyed; larger structures near coast damaged by battering waves and floating debris. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before hurricane center arrives. Flat terrain 5 feet of less above sea level flooded inland 8 miles or more. Evacuation of lowlying residences within several blocks of shoreline possibly required. Example: Hurricane Gloria (1985)

Category Four - An Extreme Hurricane

Winds 131-155 mph, 114-135 kts, 210-249 km/h

Minimum surface pressure: 944-920 mbar

Storm surge: 13-18 ft, 3.9-5.6 m

Shrubs and trees blown down; all signs down. Extensive damage to roofing materials, windows and doors. Complete failures of roofs on many small residences. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Flat terrain 10 feet of less above sea level flooded inland as far as 6 miles. Major damage to lower floors of structures near shore due to flooding and battering by waves and floating debris. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before hurricane center arrives. Major erosion of beaches. Massive evacuation of all residences within 500 yards of shore possibly required, and of singlestory residences within 2 miles of shore. Example: Hurricane Andrew (1992)

Last I heard was that it looks like it might be a Cat 4 if it continues the way it is going. Please add prayers for all of those in the path of this storm. I worry because I have family and friends there, but there are so many still not in their homes from last year.

Power loss

I had big plans on announcing my move to mu.nu today... instead I'm putting out this post as quickly as possible. I have already lost power for an hour this morning.

No.the.storm.is.not.hitting.land.here! ERGHHHHHHHH.

But I must say, we were only without power for an hour (so far). Yes, we are getting bands of Dennis all the way over here. Yes, it is raining, windy and nasty. If you can see any of the weather sites, you can see the radar and we are getting some of the east bands.

I'm worried because at 6am Dennis was down to 90MPH and within 2 hours he is up to 105MPH. Building too quickly for my taste. I just wish he would turn...

I will be online off and on as I can... But I'm unplugging stuff and just making sure our equipment doesn't get fried. When the power goes off, it usually is an off/on/off/on situation.

Back to the regular posting tomorrow. ;-)

Some not so well known good sites:

http://hurricane.terrapin.com/ATL-04A/

http://stormcarib.com/guide.htm

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/radar/latest/DS.p37cr/si.kamx.shtml

Dennis the Menace Part 2

I just posted a comment over at Bou's about life down here right now. I'm watching the weather channel and they said we have 18MPH winds here from Dennis right now (1:35PM EST). They also mentioned we have a heat index of 102F and it should reach 110F today. I'm going to go work on my new site. Need something to distract me.

Karnival of Kidz!

It's that time. Get your pictures out or your stories out for the Karnival of Kidz! Come on, you know how much fun it is on Monday to relax and read all the stupid things kids (and their parents) do.

Go HERE to learn how to submit an entry.

I want to thank Phin for creating this:



It is available for all to use. As it says on Phin's site: These colors don't run!

New Dog Bowl?

Been busy getting my new site ready. Here is a cute picture to entertain you while I keep working on the other site. (I'm hoping to put my July 4th pictures up at my new site. For those of you wanting to see the site before hand go to http://onehappydogspeaks.mu.nu)

Now for something entertaining:

Yep, that is Tot in the Dog Bowl holder. I couldn't get the camera fast enough to get the one with Tater in the Dog Bowl holder. Monkey see, monkey do.

ABCD... D is for Dennis the Menace

UPDATE: I'm moving this up to the top of my blog. I discovered if I right click it and say VIEW IMAGE, it shows it bigger. Also, it is being updated every 3 hours. At 6am when I looked the storm was 90MPH... just now it is up to 105MPH (their 8am update). Want to know what's going on? Just cursor over the picture, right click and select View Image. Ugh!

= = = = = = = = =
I am NOT ready for hurricane season. I have not run my grill. I have not checked my propane. I do not have tons of can'd food. This just sucks eggs.

80MPH and headed for the Gulf as of 8PM EST. Pensacola needs to relocate itself.



This picture is linked directly to weather.com and if it goes away or changes. OOPS.

London attacked by Terrorist

It's on the news, on the web and all over the blogs. I can't believe how supportive everyone I have read is being about this. It is wonderful to see how people all over the world care.

I have someone I consider a friend that lives near London. Luckily her husband and child are ok. But when I got the email from her this morning about it, I freaked for a few minutes. It brought back memories of 9/11. I have chill bumps as I write this.

Everyone in England has my prayers. And in particularly my friend, Sally. Sally knows that I'm here for her (or I hope so!) and will do what I can for her.

And for everyone else in England, if there is anything I can do... email me or post a comment here.

Tuesday's Post a Little Late

I have been a little busy. I took the boys to the doctor on Tuesday to see how they were doing. Tater said his 'tummy' hurt (that is the excuse when he doesn't want to do something) and also his ear. Hmmm... Doesn't usually complain about his ear. Tot just wasn't getting over the cold.

Nothing wrong with Tater. Somehow it doesn't surprise me. Tot on the other hand, had some congestion in his chest. Sigh. I talked to my mom about it and was thinking maybe he had smaller "piping" in his throat and all. But last night I started to think it's because he is a perpetual moving machine and won't stop long enough to get well. Hence, it just gets worse. Not sure.

Either way, when I got back from the doctor's I saw this:



Yep, our Dog was sick too. Isn't life Grand when every child is sick? Yes, that was said sarcastically.

I have uploaded some fun pictures from the 4th and will get them out in a day or two. When I can find 10 minutes to write it up and copy/paste the links.

BTW, I am still working on moving to mu.nu. onehappydogspeaks.mu.nu is almost complete. Be ready!

More Humor for Dreaded Wednesday

Since I'm in Florida, this was very appropriate:

Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 89, living in Florida, are all excited about their decision to get married. They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding, and on the way they pass a drugstore. Jacob suggests they go in.

Jacob addresses the man behind the counter: "Are you the owner?"

The pharmacist answers, "Yes."

Jacob: "We're about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?"

Pharmacist: "Of course we do."

Jacob: "How about medicine for circulation?"

Pharmacist: "All kinds."

Jacob: "Medicine for rheumatism and scoliosis?"

Pharmacist: "Definitely."

Jacob: "How about Viagra?"

Pharmacist: "Of course."

Jacob: "Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, jaundice?"

Pharmacist: "Yes, a large variety. The works."

Jacob: "What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson's disease?"

Pharmacist: "Absolutely."

Jacob: "You sell wheelchairs and walkers?"

Pharmacist: "All speeds and sizes."

Jacob: "We'd like to use this store as our Bridal Registry."

Humor for Dreaded Wednesday

A group of kindergartners were trying very hard to become accustomed to the first grade. The biggest hurdle they faced was that the teacher insisted on "You need to use 'Big People' words," she was always reminding them.

She asked Chris what he had done over the weekend "I went to visit my Nana."

"No," said the teacher, "you went to visit your GRANDMOTHER. Use 'Big People' words!"

She then asked Mitchell what he had done. I took a ride on a choo-choo."

The teacher said "No, Mitchell, you took a ride on a TRAIN. You must remember to use 'Big People' words."

She then asked little Alec what he had done? I read a book," he replied.

"That's WONDERFUL!" the teacher said. "What book did you read?"

Alec thought real hard about it, then puffed out his chest with great pride, and said, "Winnie the SH.T."

If I Could...

...I would participate in National Geographic's Landmark Study. But it cost $99 to PARTICIPATE.

What Landmark Study? The one being conducted on human ancestry. The Genographic Project. They are looking for DNA and all you have to do is buy the kit (for $99) and become part of the study. Click on the links above and read all about it. And if you are willing to share, tell me what group you are a member of.

Hat Tip to The Gray Monk. He participated!

Odd Items

Checking out a new blog from Bou's New Blog Showcase post, I found THIS ARTICLE on Nerds Make Better Lovers from the Sarcastic Shrub.

And Sissy is at it again with the Word of the Week. Unctuous. There are so many ways to use that word... like: I may seem unctuous when talking about Bou losing weight, I am not. I really want her to lose it. I just want to lose it first!

And being lazy, I'll let Basil give you some HEADLINES to read.

Ben at Exgaucho picks on Floridians voting abilities. Go give him a difficult time.

Ogre's back and updated his blog. And I think it looks pretty awesome. Well... everything except his comments. Ugh.

Off to take the kids to the doctor. I don't know how much I will be blogging this week. Usually I get two or three ready over the weekend and didn't have time this weekend. Busy getting the house and yard ready. Luckily, the in-laws came over yesterday and helped out. Yaaa! It should be on the market by the end of the month!!! Well... maybe if I blog a little less and clean a little more. ;-)

Karnival of Kidz 11 is Up

There are some great entries like one on seize and enjoy the moment. Brenna, seems to have hijacked her mom's site. There is so many more. Really! Go over and see all the things to make you smile. Follow THIS LINK to Michele's blog of Letters from NYC.

Happy Independence Day

Different links I have received and want to pass on and some other items of interest:

Here is a 'Card' for you.

You can create your own fireworks over New York HERE.

Here is a Raise the Flag ecard.

4th of July recipes from the Whitehouse.

For those who are not US Citizens, here is a LINK about our Independence Day celebration. And here is the LONG Version put out by our Government.


And a side note: Barney's Home Page (not the dinosaur, the President's dog)

Net Loss 2 pounds

Not doing so good on the weight loss competition with Bou, Amy, Sissy, Grau and others who I keep forgetting (my apologies - send me a note and I'll add you to the list). It has been 8 weeks. I should have lost 8 pounds. Instead, I have lost 2. There is a definite trend. When I don't get a lot of sleep and I do eat a lot of chocolate, I gain. When I drink my water, don't eat as much chocolate, and exercise... I lose.



Now the WHINE factor. Bou is complaining because she gained weight. Trust me it is water weight. But to help get rid of it she is going to the gym for 1 1/2 hours a day. I want to get away from my kids daily for 1 1/2 hours. Blhhhhhhhhhhh. I'll add it to my list of why Bou lost her 15 pounds before me.

3am

When it is early morning you think of the strangest things. Did I mention Tot has the cold now? Ohhh this is the child that sleeps butt up and head down. Does wonders for keeping the nose stuffy and the coughs. Every 2 hours, pick up Tot, hold upright for 15 to 20 minutes so nose clears (and yes he is on very strong prescription decongestant), put back to bed. Repeat until morning.

I was trying to find a way to make the train track work better for both kids. I think I found it. You can change the green hills for other arrangements, but the shortcut idea and two 'separate' areas seems to work. Yes, I thought of this at 3am and implemented it the next day.



UPDATE: Ok, so I haven't even posted yet. But I got a picture of Tot as he was 'settling down' in his crib for a nap and had a chance to upload it this morning. Notice the feet up on the side and the head down. He does this for 10 minutes before laying down. Then he curls his legs under him putting his butt up and his head down. Sigh. It's been a long week. ;-)

Tater's Point Of View

It is always interesting to see things from a kid's point of view. Now I'm talking about visual. Here is a picture that Tater took with our digital camera of his Dad.



Gives you a whole different perspective doesn't it? Wonder if they will remember that when they are 16 years old?

Carnival of Recipes is Up!

Just in time for the 4th of July Holiday. I had 2 recipes to submit for the last week and didn't get one of them in. Sigh. But that shouldn't stop you from checking out the Great Recipes at the Carnival. Thanks to Kris at Anywhere But Here.

Playful Ideas

This will be my second post for the Karnival of Kidz. No one said I could only submit one!

Update: Supervised activities are great. Just something that is different than normal and will be easy to keep them under control! Side note: this is done at night, but I'll take activities for the day as well... anything! I can always use them.

I was looking for ideas of things to do with my kids Wednesday night. It's Guys Night Out. I'm usually pretty stressed by the end of the day and appreciate my Hubby coming home to take care of the kids while I do chores. But Wednesday night is the 'Dreaded Wednesday'.

Some things I have tried are:

Playdoh. This is fun for about 10 minutes and then the close supervision is just too much for me. Tot still has a tendency to eat it. Tater has a tendency to drop it on the floor and step on it.

Blocks. This can actually be played unsupervised for about 2 minutes. Then you hear the yelling start. Someone has knocked down the others tower or thrown the blocks.

Rolling Dice. Ok, this was not the best of ideas. I thought it would be good at teaching to take turns and learning numbers. Not recommended for a 20 month old who has temper tantrums and a Mom who is low on patience.

I saw some other ideas I might try:

Pouring rice between two jugs.

Sticky backed plastic. Peel off to expose sticky side (stick the corners down if it helps) place a container with stuff to stick on within reach next to the child.

Any other ideas? Help!!! Understand I have to have something that both can do without killing each other.

Tongue Pictures

Can't wait to see what I get hit on Google searches for that title! But it is exactly what you think. Tater was posing for the camera. And since you have had a lot of Tot pictures, here are some cuties of Tater.





This is my Entry into the Karnival of Kidz! Don't forget to get yours entered by Sunday Midnight EST!